With the increasing need for online privacy and security, many internet users turn to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to mask their real IP addresses. One of the simplest ways to check your IP address is by using websites like IP Chicken. However, a common question arises: Will IP Chicken show my real IP if I use a VPN? This article will explore how IP Chicken works, whether it can reveal your actual IP address when using a VPN, and how to ensure your online anonymity.
Understanding IP Chicken
What Is IP Chicken?
IP Chicken is a free online tool that displays your public IP address. When you visit its website, it retrieves and shows the IP address that your device is using to connect to the internet. This helps users verify whether their IP address is exposed or successfully masked by a VPN or proxy.
How Does IP Chicken Work?
IP Chicken works by detecting the public IP address assigned to you by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or VPN provider. It gathers this information from HTTP headers and other network request data and then displays it on its webpage. The site also provides additional details like:
- Remote Host
- Browser Information
- User Agent Data
How VPNs Affect Your IP Address
What Is a VPN and How Does It Work?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, effectively changing your public IP address. This prevents websites, advertisers, and even your ISP from tracking your real IP. When you use a VPN, any IP detection tool, including IP Chicken, should display the IP address of the VPN server, not your real one.
Will IP Chicken Show My Real IP If I Use a VPN?
No, IP Chicken will not show your actual IP address if your VPN is functioning correctly. Instead, it will display the IP address of the VPN server you are connected to. However, there are some exceptions where a VPN might fail to mask your IP, which we will discuss below.
Situations Where Your Real IP Might Be Exposed
VPN Connection Failure
If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, your internet traffic may revert to using your actual IP address. Some VPNs offer a Kill Switch feature that disconnects your internet when the VPN fails, preventing IP leaks.
DNS Leaks
A DNS leak occurs when your device continues using your ISP’s DNS servers instead of the VPN’s. This can expose your actual IP address. You can check for DNS leaks using online tools like DNSLeakTest.com.
WebRTC Leaks
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology that allows browsers to communicate directly. If not properly secured, WebRTC leaks can expose your actual IP address even when using a VPN. You can disable WebRTC in your browser settings or use browser extensions to block it.
IPv6 Leaks
Some VPNs do not support IPv6 traffic, leading to an IP leak. If your VPN only masks your IPv4 address, your IPv6 address might still be visible. Turning off IPv6 on your device can help prevent this issue.
Malicious Browser Extensions
Some browser extensions, especially free VPNs, may still reveal your actual IP address by making direct requests outside the VPN tunnel. Always use trusted VPN providers and avoid unknown browser extensions.
How to Ensure That IP Chicken Does Not Reveal Your Real IP
Test Your VPN Connection
After connecting to a VPN, visit IP Chicken and check the displayed IP address. If it differs from your real IP (which you can verify before enabling the VPN), your VPN is working correctly.
Perform a DNS Leak Test
Use websites like DNSLeakTest.com to ensure that your DNS requests are being routed through the VPN’s DNS servers rather than your ISP’s.
Disable WebRTC in Your Browser
If you use Google Chrome or Firefox, install extensions like WebRTC Leak Prevent or manually disable WebRTC in your browser settings.
Disable IPv6 on Your Device
Go to your system’s network settings and turn off IPv6 to prevent any possible leaks.
Enable Your VPN’s Kill Switch
A Kill Switch ensures that your internet connection is cut off if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, preventing accidental IP exposure.
Use a Reliable VPN Provider
Free or low-quality VPNs may not offer adequate protection. Opt for reputable VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark, which provide strong encryption and leak protection features.
Common Myths About VPNs and IP Address Detection
VPNs Completely Hide Your Online Activity
While VPNs enhance privacy, they do not make you completely anonymous. Websites can still track you through cookies, browser fingerprints, and other methods.
Free VPNs Are Just as Good as Paid Ones
Most free VPNs have weaker encryption, slower speeds, and potential security risks, such as logging user data.
Incognito Mode Hides Your IP Address
Using Incognito or Private Mode in your browser does not change your IP address. It only prevents local browsing history from being saved.
Your ISP Can’t See Anything When You Use a VPN
Your ISP cannot see your exact online activity but can detect that you are using a VPN based on encrypted traffic patterns.
Conclusion
If your VPN is properly configured, IP Chicken will not show your actual IP address. Instead, it will display the IP address of your VPN server. However, factors like VPN disconnections, DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and IPv6 leaks can expose your real IP if not addressed.
To ensure complete privacy, always test for leaks, use a trusted VPN provider, enable a Kill Switch, and configure your browser and system settings to block potential leaks. By taking these precautions, you can confidently use IP Chicken or any other IP detection tool without worrying about exposing your actual IP address.
FAQ’s
How can I check if my VPN is working correctly?
Visit IP Chicken or any other IP checker before and after connecting to your VPN to compare results.
Can my real IP be traced even when using a VPN?
If your VPN is secure and leak-proof, tracing your real IP is highly unlikely.
Which VPNs offer the best IP leak protection?
Some top VPNs for preventing IP leaks include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
By following the proper precautions, you can ensure that your VPN keeps your real IP hidden and maintains your online privacy.